Every flower bouquet tells a story. And every story begins at Blossom & Grow, a tiny flower shop in the heart of Dublin. Lara works her magic, translating feelings into flower arrangements that change hearts and lives. But what will it take for the woman who can unlock everybody else's emotions to open up her own heart?

Tourists flock to the cabin of eleven-year-old Anna O'Donnell, who is said to be living without food, and a journalist is sent to cover the sensation. Lib Wright, a veteran of Florence Nightingale's Crimean campaign, is hired to keep watch over the girl. As Anna's life ebbs away, Lib finds herself responsible not just for the care of a child but for that child's very survival. Haunting and magnetic.

Beginning with 1980 and spanning thirty years and three continents, Rosaleen, the matriarch of the family, tells the story of her family and her four children. Each sibling has their own modern story stirring both compassion and the vagaries of modern life.

Vlad, a stranger from Eastern Europe masquerading as a healer, settles in a small Irish village where the locals fall under his spell. One woman, Fidelma McBride, becomes so infatuated that she begs him for a child. And that world is shattered when Vlad is arrested, and his identity as a war criminal is revealed. It is not until she confronts him at the tribunal in The Hague, that her physical and emotional journey reaches its breathtaking climax. Acclaimed author Edna O’Brien was born and raised in the west of Ireland.

When journalist Lily Bigelow is found dead in the courtyard of Carrickfergus Castle, it looks like a suicide. Yet there are just a few things that bother Detective Duffy enough to keep the case file open, which is how he finds out that she was working on a devastating investigation of corruption and abuse at the highest levels of power in the UK and beyond.

After suffering a deeply tragic personal loss, the owner of a cozy book cafe in Paris moves to a small Irish coastal town where she finds herself at odds with an abrasive and unwelcoming, but handsome, photographer next door.

Six months after the events of In the Woods by Tana French, Detective Cassie Maddox is still trying to recover. She's transferred out of the murder squad and started a relationship with Detective Sam O'Neill, but she's too badly shaken to make a commitment to him or to her career. Then Sam calls her to the scene of his new case: a young woman found stabbed to death in a small town outside Dublin. The dead girl's ID says her name is Lexie Madison--the identity Cassie used years ago as an undercover detective--and she looks exactly like Cassie.

St. Patrick's Day Mysteries

A Catered St. Patrick’s Day by Isis CrawfordMystery with Recipes, book 8

When Mike Sweeney is found floating in a vat of green beer and the nephew of one of their best customers is accused of the crime, Bernie and Libby Simmons, the owners of A Little Taste of Heaven, must find the real killer.

Lyrical, dark, comic or iconoclastic, the Irish short story has always punched well above its weight. Anne Enright has brought together a dazzling collection of Irish stories by authors born in the twentieth century - from Mary Lavin and Frank O'Connor to Claire Keegan and Kevin Barry. With a pithy and passionate introduction by Enright, The Granta Book of the Irish Short Story traces this great tradition through decades of social change and shows the pleasure Irish writers continue to take in the short-story form. Deft and often devastating, the short story dodges the rolling mythologies of of Irish life to produce truths that are delightful and real.

Irish-Themed Books in Non-Fiction

Bestselling author Malachi McCourt (brother of Frank McCourt— Angela’s Ashes) explores the legends and lore of Ireland’s most famous symbol of love, the joined hands with a heart between -- the claddagh.

This biography of Oscar Wilde places him for the first time within the context of his family and social and historical milieu. The account tells the whole story of one of the most prominent characters of the late 19th century whose trial for indecency heralded decadence's demise.

A comprehensive history about how Ireland has been shaped by outside influences throughout the past 2,500 years challenges popular beliefs while discussing such topics as Europe's 16th-century religious wars, the French and American revolutions and Ireland's World War II neutrality.

Travel to Ireland

Each full-color book highlights the best of the best of a particular travel destination, including must-see attractions, hotels for every budget, restaurants for a range of tastes, special features, travel tips, insider perspectives, photos, maps and more.

Rick Steves Best of Ireland puts the very best of Ireland in your hands, with Rick’s straightforward, time-tested advice in an easily scannable format so you can quickly find what you need on the go. With Rick’s strategic tips on saving time and money, you’ll worry less about your trip and focus on enjoying the experience—whether that’s navigating the windswept crags on the dramatic Dingle Peninsula or hoisting a pint at the local pub.

Irish Cookbooks

Chef Kevin Dundon takes on traditional Irish dishes and ingredients and gives them a modern twist. The result is delicious, easy-going food that is perfect for everything from a leisurely dinner with friends to a family lunch.

Pubs in Ireland are relaxed places where locals and visitors can experience the best of traditional Irish food. Irish pub cuisine inspires skillful cooks making the most of wonderful fresh local produce and fresh seafood to create delicious new dishes and giving a twist to many classics. This collection includes well-loved favorites such as Irish Stew, Champ, and Boxty Bread, and also newer recipes, like Scallop Chowder, Cockle and Mussel Gratin, or Oatmeal & Raspberry Cream. With easy to follow recipes and color photographs to set your taste buds tingly, you can now enjoy the best of traditional and contemporary Irish pub cooking.

The debut cookbook from Cathal Armstrong featuring 130 recipes showcasing modern Irish fare, along with stories about Armstrong's journey from Dublin to Washington, DC, and becoming an internationally recognized four-star chef, the owner of seven successful food and drink establishments, and a leader in the sustainable-food movement.

From New York Times, USA Today, and Globe and Mail bestselling author Patrick Taylor comes ten new short stories in the popular An Irish Country series paired with more than 150 delicious Irish family recipes in An Irish Country Cookbook.

Told from the perspective of beloved housekeeper Kinky Kincaid, one of the cherished starring characters in Taylor’s An Irish Country series, An Irish Country Cookbook explores Ireland’s rich culture through its delicious dishes and stories of its charming people. These authentic tried-and-true family recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and are the original comfort food for millions. Organized into sections such as: starters, soups, breads, mains, sides, sauces, desserts, cakes, candy and treats, and Ulster Christmas recipes, this cookbook brings the magic of Irish cooking and time-honored Irish traditions to life.

The ten short stories starring Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly, Dr. Barry Laverty, and the colorful village of Ballybucklebo will delight fans of the series and new readers alike. From starters to sauces, Irish soda bread to Christmas dinner, these memorable dishes will bring a taste of the world of the Irish Country books to every kitchen.

Ten award-winning chefs dismantle the stereotype of Irish cuisine being a boil, a fry, or soda bread. Highlighting fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients from provinces across the Emerald Isle, this beautiful, photo-illustrated collection offers inspirational Irish recipes.
An Irish meal must nourish the soul as well as the body, teasing each of the senses. Home cooks are invited into each featured chef's restaurant and/ or home to experience recipes that utilize fresh fish, lamb, beef, pork, fruits, and vegetables, and of course, Ireland's renowned cheeses.

Celebrating the new Irish food culture, this compilation emphasizes local resources, simple fare, and the highest standards, proving that Ireland is a modern food destination.

This collection contains an eclectic mix of Irish songs - a handful were even featured in popular movies and on television programs like Touch the Sky (featured in Brave), For the Love of a Princess (featured in Braveheart), Fluffy Harp (featured in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone), and Us and Them (featured on Downton Abbey).

Get Blog Updates

Sign up for email notifications about fresh content on ToledoLibrary.org

About The Author

Suzanne is an Adult Services Librarian at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. She likes to read about medicine, science, and art. Some of her favorite stories are found in picture books. Suzanne watches lots and lots of films as long as they include teacups and lace. "Lately Sue has been exploring the PBS Digital Studios.